Snap action valve for pressurized package

ABSTRACT

A manually operable valve which operates with a snap action is provided for a pressurized package. The valve operates with a snap action in movement of a valve-actuating member between an open position and a closed position with operation of the valve being positive and with an audible indication of such operation being provided. The valve mechanism includes a seal which is fitted within a dome-shaped recess in a closure cap having an opening therein which is aligned with an opening in the seal. A tubular portion at the upper end of a valve-actuating member extends through the aligned openings and forms a discharge passageway. The tubular portion is engaged by the seal and contains a discharge port which communicates with the passageway and is closed by the seal in the closed position of the valve-actuating member. The valve-actuating member carries a downwardly extending, skirtlike flange of a flexible material having a free lower end which rests on and engages with a fixed member and the skirtlike flange flexes with a snap action in operation of the valve. A tubular extension carried by a retainer or adapter cup provides communication with the interior of a container. The valve-actuating member and the skirtlike flange are formed of a rigid plastic material such as an acetal resin which permits repeated flexing of the skirtlike flange in movement of the valve-actuating member between the open position and the closed position. The valve mechanism may also be employed to simultaneously control the discharge from a separate vessel or container within the package and the combining of material from such a vessel with material from the main container at the time discharge from the package takes place.

Unite States atent Mar. 7, 1972 Ayres 54] SNAP ACTION VALVE FOR PRESSURIZED PACKAGE [72] Inventor: John E. Ayres, Mountainside, NJ.

[73] Assignee: Acu-Tech Corporation, Union, NJ.

[22] Filed: July 18, 1969 [21] Appl. No.: 842,934

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 805,973, Feb. 24,

1969, abandoned.

[52] US. Cl ..222/40234 [51] ..B65d 83/00 [58] Field of Search ..222/498, 499, 402.14, 402.24

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,081 ,916 3/ 1963 Rhodes et al. ..222/402.24 X 3,321 1 l4 5/1967 Croyle ..222/499 3 ,405 ,846 10/ l 968 Klon ..222/402.2 3,497,108 2/1970 Mason ..222/499 Primary ExaminerSamuel F. Coleman Attorney-Hanse H. Hamilton [57] ABSTRACT A manually operable valve which operates with a snap action is provided for a pressurized package. The valve operates with a snap action in movement of a valve-actuating member between an open position and a closed position with operation of the valve being positive and with an audible indication of such operation being provided.

The valve mechanism includes a seal which is fitted within a dome-shaped recess in a closure cap having an opening therein which is aligned withan opening in the seal. A tubular portion at the upper end of a valve-actuating member extends through the aligned openings and forms a discharge passageway. The tubular portion is engaged by the seal and contains a discharge port which communicates with the passageway and is closed by the seal in the closed position of the valve-actuating member.

The valve-actuating member carries a downwardly extending, skirtlike flange of a flexible material having a free lower end which rests on and engages with a fixed member and the skirtlike flange flexes with a snap action in operation of the valve. A tubular extension carried by a retainer or adapter cup provides communication with the interior of a container.

The valve-actuating member and the skirtlike flange are formed of a rigid plastic material such as an acetal resin which permits repeated flexing of the skirtlike flange in movement of the valve-actuating member between the open position and the closed position.

The valve mechanism may also be employed to simultaneously control the discharge from a separate vessel or container within the package and the combining of material from such a vessel with material from the main container at the time discharge from the package takes place.

24 Claims, 24 Drawing Figures g.- il 25 28b 35/ f 43 q ii I 47a 1 INVENTOR i (fa/w A. A r/e55 av '5 Ill"l fi/mz/z mw ATTORNEY PAIENTEDMAR 7 1972 SHEET 2 OF 4 INVENTOR JZ/m/ f. A'rzas ATTORNEY SNAP ACTION VALVE FOR PRESSURIZED PACKAGE This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 805,973 filed Feb. 24, 1969, now abandoned, for SNAP ACTION VALVE FOR PRESSURIZED PACKAGE.

The present invention relates to a new and improved valve for controlling the discharge of material from a pressurized container. It relates, more particularly, to a manually operable valve for a pressurized container which operates positively and with a snap action in movement of the valve between an open position and a closed position thereof.

In general, a wide variety of products are packaged in pres surized containers with a propellant, such as FREON, being employed to effect discharge of the product from the container. A manually operable valve is ordinarily employed to control the discharge of material from a pressurized package and such packages are generally called aerosol packages although the contents may be discharged in various forms, including, but not limited to, a line spray or mist, a foam such as shaving cream, a liquid, a cream or the like. In this connection, it will be noted that a valve embodying the present invention may be employed generally for dispensing various types of products and for various forms of discharge.

An object of the present invention is to provide a valve for controlling the discharge of the contents of a pressurized package which operates positively and with a snap action in movement of the valve between its open and closed positions. In operation of the valve, such movement takes place with a snap action when a required force has been exerted on the valve or when the force has been released from the valve. The snap action provides an audible indication to the user as to operation of the valve.

In addition, the operation of the valve in this manner is positive. In other words, the snap action causes the valve to move to its fully open position or its fully closed position. Thus, as a result, when the valve is in the open position, the discharge will take place at the rate and under the conditions for which the valve has been designed to obtain the optimum desired effect. In other words, the user does not regulate or control the discharge rate.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve for a pressurized package having relatively few parts, which may be molded from suitable plastic materials and which can be assembled at low cost. In this connection, cost is of particular importance with respect to a valve for a pressurized package as such packages are ordinarily thrown away after the contents are exhausted and hence, the valve must be inexpensrve.

A further object of the invention is to provide a valve for a pressurized package in which the contents of the package do not come into contact with metal parts of the valve as the contents are discharged. This is particularly desirable where ingredients in the package are of such a nature that they may be adversely affected by contact with metal or may adversely affect metal parts of a valve and their operation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a valve for a pressurized package which may be employed to control the simultaneous discharge and the mixing or combining of ingredients which are dispensed from separate vessels within the pressurized container or package. An example of such a discharge is found in the dispensing of a foam shaving lather which is heated by combining it with a chemical to produce an exothermic reaction.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be better and more clearly understood from the following description and the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view in partial vertical section of a pressurized package having incorporated therein a valve embodying the present invention with the valve being shown in closed position;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view in vertical section illustrating the valve shown in FIG. 1 with the valve being shown in open position;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a valve-actuating member forming part of the valve shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a section view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an adapter cup forming part of the valve shown in FIG. 3 as seen from the top thereof,

FIG. 6 is a section view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view in vertical section illustrating, on an enlarged scale, portions of the valve-actuating member and the adapter cup in their assembled relation;

FIG. 7a is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 7, but illustrating a modification of a portion of the valve mechanism;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation in vertical section of a seal forming part of the valve shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation in vertical section of a cap or closure member in which the valve is installed;

FIG. 10 is a side view in partial section illustrating a pressurized package for simultaneously discharging and combining two ingredients which employs a valve mechanism embodying the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view in vertical section illustrating, on an enlarged scale, the valve mechanism for the package shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 11 but shows the valve mechanism in open position;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an adapter cup for the valve mechanism shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 and is drawn to an enlarged scale;

FIG. 14 is a section view taken along line 1414 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a side view in vertical section of part of the valve mechanism shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 and is drawn to an enlarged scale;

FIGS. 16, I7 and 18 are fragmentary views illustrating, on an enlarged scale, certain portions of the inner container shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view in vertical section illustrating a modified form of valve assembly embodying the invention with the valve being shown in a closed position;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary view in vertical section of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 19, but with the valve being shown in open position;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view in vertical section of a valve-actuating member forming part of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view in vertical section of a sealing member forming part of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 19; and

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view in vertical section of an adapter cup forming part of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 19.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 illustrates a pressurized package 20 having a canlike container body 21 which holds a supply of a commodity to be dispensed and a suitable propellant, such as FREON, the pressure of which effects the discharge of the contents of the package.

As mentioned above, a wide variety of products or commodities, such as insecticides, toilet waters, foam shaving cream, various cosmetic preparations and the like, may be dispensed from such a package. Such products may be discharged as a spray, foam, liquid, cream or various other forms. Generally speaking, pressurized packages of this type are well known and hence, need not be described in detail here.

As shown in FIG. 1, the container body 21 is open at the top or upper end thereof and a beaded rim 21a surrounds the opening therein. The opening in the top of the container body 21 is closed by a closure member or cap 22 having an outer edge 22a which is seated on the beaded rim 21a and a suitable sealing material 22b may be placed between the opposing surfaces of the rim and the closure member to provide a leakproof seal. A portion of the cap which extends downwardly is extended beneath the beaded rim 21a of the container body and holds the cap in place.

The closure member or cap 22 is generally of annular configuration and has a raised or necklike portion 23 formed at the center thereof with an opening 24 being formed in an upper surface thereof. The sides of the necklike portion 23 extend downwardly and define a recess or well of a domelike configuration facing the interior of the container body 21 and which is shaped to receive a valve mechanism 25 for controlling the discharge of material from the container.

The valve mechanism 25 includes a sealing member 26 formed of a resilient rubberlike material which is shaped to fit within the recess in the closure member. The sealing member 26 is seated against the inner face of the recess in the closure cap at the upper end thereof and contains a central opening 27 which is aligned with the opening 24 in the closure cap. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the closure cap 22 and the sealing member 26 prior to their assembly.

A valve-actuating member 28 has a stemlike upper end 28a which is tubular and extends through the aligned openings to a point where it may be manually engaged by the user in operation of the valve mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 8, the sealing member 26 includes a downwardly extending flange 29 which surrounds the opening 27 therein and the tubular end of the valve-actuating member 28. An inwardly extending riblike protuberance 30 formed at the lower or free end of the seal flange presses against the sides of the tubular upper end 28a of the valve-actuating stem 28 and forms a leakproof seal therewith while permitting vertically reciprocable sliding movement of the valve-actuating stem relative to the seal and the closure cap. The inner surface of the seal flange 29 is exposed to the pressure within the container which urges the flange into engagement with the valveactuating stem. When the valve-actuating member 28 and the seal are in assembled relation, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the riblike protuberance 30 is deformed to a more flattened condition.

The inner edge of the upper surface of the closure cap 22 defining the central opening 24 therein is crimped into engagement with seal 26 at the upper end of the downwardly extending seal flange 29, as indicated at 31. This provides clearance between the crimped portion 31 of the closure cap and the tubular portion 28a of the valve-actuating member and it also prevents displacement of the seal 26 relative to the cap 22 in instances where the container is filled or pressurized through the valve mechanism. In such a filling operation, the valve-actuating member is depressed and when a gas or other material under pressure is introduced into the space between the tubular portion 28a of the valve-actuating member and the crimped portion 31 of the closure member, the riblike pr'otuberance 30 on the seal flange 29 will be forced outwardly or away from engagement with the tubular valve-actuating stem 28a by the filling pressure so as to permit material to flow into the container. However, the sealing member will not be displaced relative to the closure cap. Under these conditions, the diameter of the central opening 24 in the closure cap as defined by the crimped portion 31 is slightly larger in diameter than the tubular upper end 28a of the valve-actuating stem 28. However, it will be understood that the container may also be filled and pressurized by an under the cap filling operation.

As will be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the tubular upper end 280 of the valve-actuating member 28 is open at its top and forms a discharge passageway 32 having an entry or discharge port 320 at the lower end thereof and through which the contents of the container pass when the valve is in open position. A suitable dispenser cap or head 33 which is designed to provide the desired type of discharge, may be installed on the top or open end of the valve-actuating stem 28a. In the form illustrated, the dispenser 33 has a discharge passageway 34 formed therein which communicates with the discharge passageway 32 in the valve stem and has a discharge outlet 34a of the usual design to provide a spray type of discharge.

The bottom of the discharge passageway 32 in the valve stem is closed and the entry or discharge port 32a which extends through the sidewall of the tubular portion 28a of the valve-actuating member 28, communicates with the interior of the valve in the open position thereof and is blocked or shut off in the closed position of the valve. For example, when the valve-actuating member 28 is in a raised position as shown in FIG. 1, the discharge port 32a is located above the lower end of the seal flange 29 and thus, is closed or shut off by engagement of the seal flange with the tubular end 28:: of the valveactuating member. In the depressed or open position of the valve-actuating member 28, as shown in FIG. 2, the discharge port 32a is below the lower end of the seal flange 29 and under these conditions, the contents of the container may enter the discharge passageway 32v in the valve stem through the discharge port 32a. It will be noted here that movement of the valve-actuating stem 28 between the open position and the closed position of the valve, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is relatively short and hence, the valve operates with a short stroke.

The lower end 28bof the valve-actuating member 28 may also be tubular and extends into an enlarged bore 354: in the upper end of a downwardly extending tubular extension 35 forming part of a combined adapter cup and retaining member 36. A partition or wall 37 separates the lower end 28b of the valve-actuating member 28. from the discharge passageway 32 in the tubular upper end 28a thereof.

The tubular extension 35 of the adapter cup forms a passageway 38 which communicates with the interior of the container and through which the contents of the container can pass when the valve is open. The adapter cup 36 is held in place within the necklike recess in the closure cap 22 by inwardly sloping walls of the recess in the closure cap which mate with inwardly sloping walls 40 of the adapter cup. The adapter cup 36 also engages with the seal 26 and holds the seal together with the valve-actuating member 28 in operating position within the recess in the closure cap with the tubular upper end 28a of the valve-actuating member extending through the aligned openings. Under these conditions, the valve mechanism may be employed for various types of discharges without external leakage. It will be seen from this that the assembly of the valve mechanism and its installation in the closure cap can be accomplished in a very simple and economical manner.

The adapter cup has a dish-shaped depression or recess 41 formed in its upper surface with an annular step or shoulder 42 surrounding the recess. The annular step 42 joins a side wall or flange 43 with a slight curvature having a radius of about one thirty-second of an inch. The sidewall 43 extends upwardly and abuts a lower outer end of the seal 26. The recess in the adapter cup together with the seal defines an area which communicates with the discharge port 32a in the upper portion 28a of the valve-actuating member when the valve is in open position and with the interior of the container through the passageway 38 in the tubular extension.

The upper bore 35a in the adapter cup extension 35 terminates at an inwardly extending shoulder 44 which engages with the lower end 28b of the valve-actuating member 28 when said member is depressed and thus, serves as a stop which limits downward movement of the valve-actuating member in movement of the valve to the open position, as shown in FIG. 2. The inner walls of the upper bore 35a and the upper surface of the shoulder 44 in the adapter cup extension contain spaced grooves 45 which bypass the lower end of the valve-actuating member when the valve is in open position and thus, permit the contents of the container to pass from the passageway 38 in the tubular extension into the area communicating with the discharge port 32a in the valve stem. The usual siphon tube 46 which leads to the bottom of thecontainer body 21, may be attached to the lower end of the tubular extension 35.

Immediately beneath the discharge port 32a in the valve stem, there is formed integrally with the valve-actuating member 28 a downwardly and outwardly extending skirtlike flange or actuating member 47. The downwardly extending flange 47 is flexible and has a free lower end which rests on the annular step 42 of the adapter cup and can be forced outwardly relative thereto. The flange 47 extends around the valve-actuating member 28 and slopes downwardly and outwardly at an angle of about 70 relative-to the lower end thereof (or about 120 relative to the upper end thereof). The lower or free end of the flange 47 engages with the upper surface of the annular step 42 which surrounds the recess in the adapter cup and urges the valve-actuating member toward its raised or closed position.

The lower end of the flange 47 has an outer face which extends vertically relative to the upper surface of the annular step 42 and terminates in a sharp-knifelike edge 470 which has a tendency to bite into the upper surface of the annular step. This restrains initial outward movement of the lower end of the flange relative to said surface until a required downward force is exerted on the valve-actuating member 28. Thereafter such movement and the consequent flexing of the flange takes place abruptly and with a snap action causing the valve to be fully opened. This will ordinarily require that a downward force of from 3 to 5 lbs. be exerted on the valve-actuating member.

Due to manufacturing tolerances, the downward force exerted on the valve-actuating member may cause sufficient movement of the valve-actuating member 28 to open the discharge port 32a partially before complete flexing and outward movement of the flange takes place. To prevent this, the upwardly facing surface of the annular step 42 may be provided with a slight upward curvature having a radius of about one thirty-second of an inch at the juncture with the side wall 43 and starting immediately beyond the point where this surface is engaged by the lower end of the flange. This will increase the resistance to outward movement of the lower end of the flange until the required operating force is exerted on the valve-actuating member to cause the full opening of the valve.

This may also be accomplished, as shown in FIG. 7a, by forming a very small rib 42a on the upwardly facing surface of the step 42 which is positioned to engage with and prevent outward movement of the lower end of the flange to an extent which would permit partial opening of the discharge port 320 until the full opening force is exerted on the valve-actuating member. The rib 420 may be from twoto three-thousandths of an inch in height and width.

The upstanding rim 43 surrounding the annular step 42 is spaced outwardly from the lower end of the flange by a distance which will permit the skirtlike flange 47 to expand or spread outwardly without coming into contact with the wall or rim 43 as the flange is flexed in downward movement of the valve-actuating stem to the fully open position of the discharge port 32a in the valve-actuating member 28. However, as noted above, the flange 47 is not permitted to reach a flat or horizontal condition which would prevent or interfere with return of the valve-actuating member to the closed position thereof when the operating force is removed therefrom.

The skirtlike flange 47 contains a series of spaced openings 48 which permit material entering the recess in the adapter cup to reach the discharge port 32a in the valve-actuating member 28 when the valve is in open position.

The valve-actuating member 28 and the skirtlike flange 47 are preferably molded in one piece from a relatively hard and rigid type of plastic material such as an acetal resin. Such a resin forms a high-melting, highly crystalline, thermoplastic linear acetal polymer which may be represented by the formula (OCH Acetal resins of this type are sold commercially under the trademarks DELRIN" or CELCON". The adapter cup 36 may also be molded from the same material and to obtain the desired operating characteristics, the valveactuating member and the adapter cup may be molded from plastic material of the same formulation.

By way of example, it has been found that a flange formed of acetal resin having a length of about 0.175 inch and a thickness of about 0.015 inch with a valve stem having an outer diameter of about 0.146 inch will operate satisfactorily with a snap action and a stroke of less than one-sixteenth of an inch.

The skirtlike flange 47 when formed from an acetal resin may be flexed repeatedly while retaining good recovery properties as the lower end of the flange is moved relative to the step in the adapter cup. Ordinarily, the sharp lower edge 47a of the flange will bite into the upper surface of the annular step and restrain outward movement of the flange until sufficient force has been exerted to cause the flange to flex with an abrupt snap action. As mentioned above, the outer periphery of the annular step 42 may have slight upward curvature or the rib 420 may be employed to prevent partial opening of the discharge port 32a.

The flange 47 does not reach a fully flattened condition when the valve is open and engagement of the lower end of the valve-actuating member 28 with the shoulder 44 in the adapter cup extension 35 prevents overtravel of the flange 47. Thus, upon release of the force from the valve-actuating member 28, the flange automatically returns the valve-actuating member to its raised or closed position.

As will be seen from the foregoing, the valve mechanism employs no metal parts and the container contents only come into contact with plastic parts of the valve during discharge. It will also be noted that all parts of the valve except the upper or discharge end of the valve-actuating stem are located within the container which permits the subject valve to be readily employed for the various types of discharge.

Because of the positive, snap action, a valve mechanism embodying the present invention is particularly suited for use in controlling the discharge and the combining of ingredients from separate vessels forming part of a pressurized package. Generally speaking, examples of such a package are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,973,883 of Mar. 7, i961 and 3,241,722 of Mar. 22, 1966.

A valve mechanism made in accordance with the present invention for use in dual dispensing type of package is illustrated in FIGS. ll013. Certain parts of the valve mechanism shown in FIGS. l013 correspond to parts which have already been described herein and such parts have been identified by the same reference numerals. Hence, the description of these parts of the valve mechanism need not be repeated.

in the valve mechanism shown in FIGS. 1043, an adapter cup 50 is fitted within the recess in the closure cap 22 and holds the seal 26 and the valve-actuating stem 28 is assembled and operating position therein. The adapter cup 50 has two downwardly extending tubular extensions 51 and 52 which open into the dishlike recess 41 in the adapter cup and thus, communicate with the area surrounding the discharge port 32a in the tubular upper end 28a of the valve stem 28 when the valve is in open position.

The extensions are spaced relative to each other with the flat or outer extension 51 being connected at its lower end to a siphon tube 53 which leads to the bottom of the main container or can 21. Discharge of the contents of the main can 21 is controlled in the manner previously described by movement of the valve-actuating member 28 between its open and closed positions. Such operation simultaneously permits discharge of the ingredients from an inner container 54 into the adapter cup where such ingredients are combined with the material from the main container.

The second extension 52 which is centrally located, is connected at its lower end to the neck 54a of the inner container or vessel 54 which may be rigid or in the form of a collapsible bag. The inner container 54 holds a supply of a chemical or other ingredient which is to be combined with the contents of the main container or can 21 at the time discharge from the package takes place. However, the contents of the two containers must be isolated from each other until such discharge takes place.

The contents of the inner container 54 and the main container 21 should be under the same pressure so that the combining and discharge of materials from both containers will be effected simultaneously upon opening of the valve mechanism. To insure this result and to obtain uniformity in the amount of the material discharged from the inner container, a check valve 55 (see FIGS. 16 and 17) may be incorporated in the neck 54a of the inner container. The check valve 55 is arranged to permit a pressurizing gas or fluid in the main container to enter the inner container until the pressure in the two containers equalizes, but prevents the flow of the gas or the contents of the inner container into the main container. In the case of a collapsiblebag, this can be accomplished by providing a small area 550 in the neck 54a of the bag 54 which is permeable to the pressuring gas. This also insures that the material in the inner container can be completely discharged.

In this embodiment, the center extension 52 includes a rim 56 which extends upwardly from the upper end thereof and into the dish-shaped recess 41 in the upper surface of the adapter cup 50. The rim 56 is positioned to engage with the skirtlike flange 47 when the valve-actuating member 28 is depressed or moved to the open position and thus, serves as a stop to limit downward movement of the valve-actuating member and overtravel of the skirtlike flange. The upper surface of the rim 56 contains spaced cross slots 57 which form passageways between the upper end of the tubular extension 52 and the opposing surface of the flange 47 through which material from the inner container can pass when the valve is in open position.

The lower end of the valve-actuating member 28 extends into the upper bore 58 in the tubular extension 52 and is made smaller than the upper bore 58 to provide clearance between the lower end of the valve-actuating member 28 and the upper bore 58. This provides a passageway through which material being discharged from the inner container 54 can pass when the valve is in open position.

A valve insert or sealing member 59 of a soft, rubberlike material carried by the lower end of the valve-actuating member 28 engages with the sides of the upper bore 58 in the extension 52 when the valve-actuating member 28 is in its raised or closed position as shown in FIG. 11. Under these conditions the upper bore in the tubular extension 52 is closed and discharge of material from the inner container cannot take place.

The lower end of the second extension 52 contains an enlarged bore 60 which joins with the upper bore 58 at a tapered shoulder 61. The lower bore 60 is larger in diameter than the diameter of the valve insert 59 and when the valve-actuating member 28 is depressed or moved to an open position, the valve insert 59 is moved out of engagement with the sides of the upper bore 56 and into the enlarged lower bore 57, as shown in FIG. 12. Under these conditions, material from the inner container can flow from the lower bore into the upper bore of the extension from which it enters the dish-shaped recess in the adapter cup and is combined with material from the main container 21.

The lower end of the tubular extension 52 also contains a fitting 62 which has a metering hole 63 formed therein to regulate admission of material from the inner container into the tubular extension 52. One end of a siphon tube extends into the fitting 62 with its other end extending to the bottom of the inner container 54.

In operation of the dual-acting valve mechanism, as demribed above, depression of the valve stem 28 to an open position, as shown in FIG. 12, moves the valve insert 59 into the enlarged lower bore 60 of the tubular extension 52 and at the same time moves the discharge port 32a in the tubular upper portion of the valve-actuating member 28 to its open position. This insures that ingredients from the inner container will be combined with the ingredients from the main container immediately upon opening of the valve. Thereafter discharge of the combined ingredients takes place through the discharge pamgeway 32 in the tubular upper end of the valve-actuating stem 28.

In the valve assembly embodying the invention illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, a valve-actuating member 70 is similarly provided with a tubular stem 71 at its upper end being open at the top thereof and being closed at its bottom or lower end 72. As

described previously, the valve-actuating member is movable between a closed position and an open position. The tubular stem 71 contains a discharge passageway 73 and a discharge port 74 is located near the lower end 72 of the passageway 73 to admit material from the container (not shown), which then passes through the discharge passageway.

The lower end of the tubular stem extends through an opening in a closure member or cap 75 which is defined by a downwardly extending collarlike flange 76. The stem 71 also extends through an opening 77 formed in a sealing member 78 of a resilient rubberlike material which is located within a raised central portion of the closure cap 75 with the opening therein being in alignment with the opening in the closure cap. The closure cap 75 may be formed of metal and is attached in the usual manner to the container.

The sealing member 78 is formed with an outwardly extending annular flange 79 which is clamped between an inwardly facing surface of an upper wall 80 of the closure cap 75 by an upwardly facing surface of a retainer or adapter 81. The retainer 81 which has an inwardly stepped outer surface, is in turn held in place within the raised portion of the closure cap 75 by bending or crimping of part of the cap as indicated at 82.

When the valve-actuating member 70 is installed, a bead 83 formed on the exterior of the tubular stem 71 is located beneath the lower ends of the flange 76 and will resist removal of the actuating member from the assembly therewith with considerable force. A slight clearance is provided between the flange 76 and the stem 71 to permit ease of movement and filling of the container through such clearance if desired.

The opening 77 in the sealing member 78 is defined by downwardly extending side walls 84 having an inwardly extending annular lip or flange 85 at the lower end thereof which is resiliently urged into sealing engagement with the exterior of the stem 71. For this purpose, the inner diameter of the opening defined by the annular lip 85 may be slightly smaller than the external diameter of the lower end of the stem 71. As previously described, sealing engagement of the lip 85 with the stem is also aided by pressure from within the container acting on the outer surface of the side walls 84 of the seal.

When the valve-actuating member 70 is in a raised or closed position, as shown in FIG. 19, the discharge port 74 is located above the point at which the lip 85 of the seal engages with the stem 71 and thus, discharge from the container cannot take place through the discharge port 74. In the lowered or open position of the valve-actuating member 70, as shown in FIG. 20, the discharge port 74 is below the lip 85 of the sealing member 78 and material from the container can pass through the discharge port '74 and into the discharge passageway 73 for discharge from the open upper end thereof. As previously described, a dispenser cap 33 of the spray or other suitable type may be placed on the open upper end of the stem 71.

The retainer or adapter 81 has a cuplike interior defined by a series of inwardly extending steps or shoulders. A downwardly sloping surface 86 at the upper end of the retainer engages with the inner surface of the upper wall 80 of the closure cap 75 and at its inner end joins a recess 87 which terminates at a shoulder 87a and is shaped to receive the flange 79 of the sealing member 78. The walls of the recess 87 compress the flange 79 of the seal 78 against the upper end of the closure cap 75 and cause it to flow into sealing engagement therewith.

A second recess 88 having a bottom shoulder 8a is formed beneath the recess 87 and is shaped to receive the lower end of the sealing member 78 through which the lower end 72 of the stem 71 extends. Below the shoulder 88a, a bottom recess 89 extends downwardly and has an inwardly extending shoulder 89a at the bottom thereof. The closed end 72 of the stem 71 extends into the recess 89 and communicating grooves 89b and 890 are provided in the sides and bottom of the recess 89 to bypass the closed end of the stem and permit the flow or passage therearound of material from the container as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2.0.

The shoulder 89a at the bottom of the recess 89 may also serve as a stop which engages with the lower end of the stem 71 and limits downward movement of the stem in movement of the valve-actuating member 70 to its open or discharge position.

A tubular extension 90 carried by the retainer 81 extends downwardly from the shoulder 89a and defines a passageway 90a communicating with the interior of the container. A siphon tube (not shown) may be attached to the tubular extension 90.

In this form of valve assembly, the valve-actuating member 70 carries a frustoconically shaped skirt 91 which is flexible and extends downwardly and outwardly from the stem 71 at a point intermediate its ends and at a point above the upper end of the closure cap 75. The skirt 91 may be solid or imperforate or it may contain a series of openings 91 which may be employed for pressure filling purposes if desired. The outer or free end 92 of the flange 91 has a sharp lower comer which frictionally engages with an upwardly facing surface of the upper end wall 80 of the closure cap 75.

As indicated at 93, the upwardly facing surface 80 is curved upwardly at a point immediately beyond the point where it is engaged by the free end of the skirt. This increases the resistance to outward movement of the lower end of the skirt relative thereto when pressure or downward force is exerted upon the dispenser cap 33 and the valve-actuating member 70 associated therewith in movement of the valve to its open position. Space is also left to permit outward movement of the free end of the flange without interference therewith.

Here again the skirtlike flange is capable of being flexed to cause the free lower end thereof to move outwardly or inwardly, as the case may be, and such flexing takes place with an audible snap action which can be readily sensed by the user as indicating movement of the valve-actuating member to its lowered or open position or to its raised or closed position. Return movement of the valve-actuating member to its raised or closed position is effected by the flexible skirt 91 which returns to its original position upon release of downward force from the valve-actuating member.

In this arrangement, the contents of the container do not come into contact with the skirtlike flange 91 and hence, the contents of the container will not affect either the flexing or the snap action thereof. As in the previous embodiments of the invention, the valve-actuating member 70 and the flexible flange 9 may be molded as one piece from a rigid type of a plastic material which is flexible such as DELRIN" or CEL- CON. The retainer or adapter 81 may also be molded from a suitable plastic material.

It will also be noted that fillets 91a and 91b are formed at the points where the flange 91 joins the stem 71 and it has been found that the flange 91 may be depressed below a horizontal plane as shown in FIG. 20 while still retaining the ability to return the valve-actuating member 70 to the closed position thereof.

It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the embodiments of the invention which have been illustrated and described herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

lclaim:

1. In a valve mechanism for controlling the discharge of the contents of a pressurized aerosol type of package, the combination comprising:

a. a container having an open end;

b. a closure member adapted to be secured to said container at the open end thereof;

c. said closure member having an opening therein;

d. a sealing member formed of a resilient rubberlike material located within the closure member and having an opening therein aligned with the opening in the closure member;

e. a flange extending downwardly from said sealing member and surrounding the opening therein;

f. a valve-actuating member having a tubular upper end extending through said aligned openings and being movable relative thereto between an open position and a closed position;

. said upper end of the valve-actuating member having an exterior surface in sealing engagement with the flange of the sealing member and defining a discharge passageway having an open topand a closed lower end with a discharge port communicating with said passageway adjacent the lower end thereof;

. said discharge port being positioned above a lower end of the sealing member flange in the closed position of the valve-actuating member and being positioned below said lower end of said flange in the open position of the valveactuating member;

. a skirtlike flange of a rigid flexible material attached to the valve-actuating member and sloping downwardly and outwardly relative thereto;

j. said flange having a lower end spaced from the valve-actuating member and being flexible with a snap action in movement of the-valveactuating member between the open and closed position thereof;

. a fixed member positioned in opposing relation to and engaging with said lower end of said skirtlike flange with the flange biasing the valve-actuating member toward the closed position thereof;

. means for restraining outward movement of said lower end of the skirtlike flange relative to said fixed member; and

m. retaining means mounted on the closure member and engaging with said sealing member;

n. said retaining means comprising a member having a central bore and including a tubular extension communicating with and extending downwardly from said central bore;

0. said tubular extension defining a passageway communicating with the interior of the container and the central bore in said retaining member.

2. In a valve mechanism for controlling the discharge from a pressurized aerosol type of package, the combination as defined in claim 1 which includes:

a. stop means formed on said retaining member for engaging with an limiting downward movement of the valve-actuating member toward the open position thereof.

3. In a valve mechanism for controlling the discharge from a pressurized aerosol type of package, the combination as defined in claim 2 wherein:

a. said stop means comprises a shoulder formed in said central bore of said retaining member;

c. said shoulder being positioned for engagement with a lower end of the valve-actuating member in movement of said member to the open position thereof.

4. In a valve mechanism for controlling the discharge from a pressurized aerosol type of package, the combination as defined in claim 1 which includes:

a. a second container located within said first container;

b. a second tubular extension carried by said retaining means;

c. said second tubular extension defining a passageway communicating with one of the containers; and

d. valve means connected to the valve-actuating member for opening and closing the passageway defined by said second tubular extension;

e. said valve means being movable between an open position and a closed position simultaneously with movement of said valve-actuating member between the open and closed positions thereof.

5. In a valve mechanism for a pressurized aerosol type of package, the improvement which comprises:

a. a sealing member of a resilient rubberlike material having an opening therein;

b. a downwardly extending flange formed as part of said sealing member and extending around said opening;

c. a valve-actuating member having a tubular upper end extending through the opening in the sealing member and being slidably engaged by said downwardly extending flange;

d. said tubular upper end of the valve-actuating member defining a discharge passageway having an open upper end and containing a discharge port communicating with said passageway;

e. said valve-actuating member being movable relative to said sealing member between a first position where said discharge port is closed and a second position where said discharge port is open;

f. a flexible skirtlike flange carried by the valve-actuating member;

g. said skirtlike flange extending downwardly and outwardly relative to the tubular upper end of the valve-actuating member and having a lower end spaced therefrom;

h. a fixed member having an upwardly facing surface positioned in opposing. relation to said lower end of the skirtlike flange and engaging therewith;

. said flange being flexible with a snap action in response to movement of the valve-actuating member and normally biasing said valve-actuating member toward the closed position thereof relative to said sealing member;

j. said lower end of the skirtlike flange being movable outwardly relative to said surface upon flexing of said flange in downward movement of the valve-actuating member; and

k. means for restraining said outward movement of the lower end of the flange relative to the opposing surface of the fixed member until a predetermined pressure is exerted on the valve-actuating member.

6. in a valve mechanism for a pressurized aerosol type of package, the improvement as defined in claim wherein:

a. the valve-actuating member and the skirtlike flange are molded in one piece from a rigid plastic material.

7. In a valve mechanism for a pressurized aerosol type of package, the improvement as defined in claim 5 which includes:

a. a closure cap adapted to be seated on an open end of a container and having an opening formed therein aligned with the opening in said sealing member;

b. means for engaging with and holding said sealing member in sealing engagement with said closure member;

c. said means comprising a cup-shaped member having a tubular extension extending downwardly therefrom;

d. said tubular extension defining a passageway communicating with an interior of the container and with said sealing member.

8. In a valve mechanism for a pressurized container, the improvement as defined in claim 7 which includes:

a. a second tubular extension carried by said cup-shaped member;

b. said second tubular extension defining a second passageway;

c. a valve seat formed at one end of the first mentioned extension; and

d. a valve insert carried by the valve-actuating member and being movable therewith;

e. said valve insert being movable into and out of sealing engagement with said valve seat in movement of the valveactuating member between the open and closed positions thereof.

9. in a valve mechanism for a pressurized aerosol type of package, the improvement as defined in claim 8 which includes:

a. two containers with one of said containers being located within the other said container; and

b. means for permitting gas under pressure to pass between said inner and outer containers.

10. In a manually operable valve mechanism for controlling discharge from an aerosol container, the combination comprising:

a. a manually operable valve member mounted in an opening at one end of a pressurized container for reciprocable movement between a closed position and an open position in response to force exerted thereon by a finger;

b. said valve member having a hollow upper end defining a discharge passageway and a closed lower end;

c. said lower end containing a discharge port communicating with the discharge passageway;

d. said upper end being exposed for application of manual force thereon in initiating movement of the valve member to said open position thereof;

e. a fixed member carried by the container; and

f. a flexible actuating member interposed between said fixed member and said movable valve member for imparting positive movement to the valve member in movement thereof between said open and closed positions;

g. said flexible actuating member comprising a flexible flange of a hard rigid material capable of flexing with a snap action with an unsealed end thereof movably engaging with an opposing surface of the fixed member and urging said valve member to said closed position;

h. said flange being exposed to the same pressure on opposite sides thereof and being positioned to flex in opposite directions with a positive snap action in response to forces exerted by a finger on the upper end of said valve member; and

i. means on said opposing surface of the fixed member for restraining movement of said movable end of the flange relative thereto in one direction.

11. In a manually operable valve mechanism for controlling discharge from an aerosol container, the combination as defined in claim 10 wherein:

a. the fixed member comprises a closure cap adapted to be affixed to an open end of the container.

12. In a manually operable valve mechanism for controlling discharge from controlling discharge from an aerosol container, the combination as defined in claim 10 which includes:

a. a seal having an opening therein aligned with an opening in the container and through which the lower end of said valve member extends;

b. said seal slidably engaging with the movable valve member and including a depending portion;

c. said depending portion sealably engaging with the valve member on opposite sides of the discharge port in the open and closed positions, respectively, of the valve member and being urged into engagement with the valve member by resilience of the seal and pressure from within the container in both of said positions.

13. in a manually operable valve mechanism for controlling discharge from an aerosol container, the combination as defined in claim 12 wherein:

a. the fixed member comprises a retainer located inside the container;

b. said retainer containing a passageway communicating with the container and having upwardly facing portions engaging with the seal.

14. In a manually operable valve mechanism for controlling discharge from an aerosol container, the combination as defined in claim 10 wherein:

a. the flexible actuating member comprises a skirtlike flange formed integrally with the valve member;

b. said skirtlike flange sloping outwardly and downwardly relative to the valve member and has a free lower end engaging with the opposing surface of the fixed member in unsealed relation thereto.

15. In a manually operable valve mechanism for controlling discharge from an aerosol container, the combination as defined in claim 14 wherein: a. the fixed member forms a closure having an opening therein communicating with the container through which the lower end of the valve member extends and includes the opposing surface engaging with the free end of the flange; and b. the means for restraining movement of the free end of the flange relative to said surface restrains outward movement of the end of the flange relative to said surface until a predetermined downward force is exerted on the upper end of the valve member.

16. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination comprising:

a. a manually operable valve member mounted on a container and being reciprocably movable between open and closed positions with a positive snap action in response to force exerted thereon by a finger;

b. said movable valve member having an upper end exposed for the application of manual pressure thereto and a closed lower end;

c. said upper end defining a discharge passageway;

d. said lower end containing a discharge port therein communicating with said discharge passageway;

e. a seal of resilient material having an opening therein through which the lower end of said valve member extends;

. said seal engaging with the valve member on opposite sides of the discharge port in said closed position and said open position, respectively, of the valve member;

g. a fixed member carried by the container;

h. flexible actuating means interposed between the fixed member and the valve member and imparting a positive snap action to the valve member in movement thereof between said open and closed positions;

. said flexible actuating means comprising a skirtlike flange having an unsealed free end engaging with an opposing surface of the fixed member with opposite sides thereof being exposed to equal pressures;

. means on said opposing surface of a fixed member for restraining movement of said free end of the flange relative thereto in one direction; and

k. a stop engaging with the movable valve member and limiting movement of the valve member in movement thereof toward said open position.

17 In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination as defined in claim 16 wherein:

a. said fixed member comprises a seal retainer located in the container and containing a passageway which communicates with the container; and

b. said flange contains at least one perforation therein;

c. said perforation providing communication from the container and the retainer to the discharge port in the valve member when the valve member is in the open position.

I8. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination as defined in claim 17 wherein:

a. the fixed member comprises a retainer located in the container and with an upper portion thereof engaging with the seal; and

b. said retainer contains a passageway communicating at a lower end with the interior of the container and at an upper end with the perforated flange.

I9. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination as defined in claim 16 wherein:

a. the flexible flange and the valve member are formed integrally from a hard rigid plastic material capable of flexing with a snap action.

20. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination as defined in claim 16 wherein:

a. the fixed member comprises a closure for the container and the surface opposing the end of the flexible flange is located on the exterior of the container.

21. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination which comprises:

a. a member adapted to be mounted in a fixed position in an opening at one end of a contaiper which contains a commodity and a propellant for discharging the commodity from the container;

b. said fixed member having an opening therein communicating with an interior of the container;

c. a valve for manually controlling discharge from the container located in said opening.

d. said valve including a movable valve stem having a hollow upper end defining a discharge passageway and having a closed lower end with a discharge port communicating with said passageway;

. said valve stem being reciprocable between open and closed positions with the upper end thereof being exposed for engagement by a finger of an operator;

a seal of resilient material mounted in the container with an opening therein in alignment with the opening in the fixed member;

. said seal including a portion slidably engaging with the valve stem on opposite sides, respectively, of said discharge port in said open and closed positions of the valve member;

. said portion of the seal being urged into engagement with the valve stem in both of said open and closed positions by resilience of the seal and by pressure from within the container; and

. a flexible actuating flange formed of a hard rigid material which is capable of flexing in opposite directions with a snap action interposed between said fixed member and said valve stem and normally urging said valve stem toward said closed position;

. the flexing of said flange imparting positive movement to the valve stem with a sudden snap action in movement thereof between said closed and open positions in response toforce exerted by a finger on the valve stem; said flange extending outwardly and downwardly relative to the valve stem and having a free lower end engaging with an opposing surface of the fixed member;

. said lower end of the flange engaging with the opposing surface of the fixed member in an unsealed relation and allowing equal pressure to act on opposite sides of the flange.

22. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination as defined in claim 21 which includes:

a. means formed on said opposing surface of the fixed member engaging with and restraining outward movement of the lower end of the actuating flange relative thereto.

23. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination as defined in claim 22 wherein:

a. said restraining means comprises a raised area on said opposing surface of the fixed member.

24. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination as defined in claim 21 which includes:

a. a retainer engaging with and holding the seal in position;

b. said retainer containing a passageway communicating with the container with an upper end of the passageway slidably guiding the lower end of the valve stem in its movement; and

0. stop means formed in said passageway for engaging with and limiting flexing of the flange in downward movement of the valve stem relative to said passageway.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 7, Dated March 7, 1972 Inyent0r(s) JOhn E. Ayres It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

sCol. line 42, change "is" :to F in I Col. 8, line 65, change "8a" to 88a Col. 9, line '1b, change 91" to 91' Col. 10, line Y4; phange "an" to and Col. l2, line. 37, delete "controlling discharge irom'fi Signed and sealed this 28th day of November 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHEH ,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents ORM 1 04050 (10-6)) 

1. In a valve mechanism for controlling the discharge of the contents of a pressurized aerosol type of package, the combination comprising: a. a container having an open end; b. a closure member adapted to be secured to said container at the open end thereof; c. said closure member having an opening therein; d. a sealing member formed of a resilient rubberlike material located within the closure member and having an opening therein aligned with the opening in the closure member; e. a flange extending downwardly from said sealing member and surrounding the opening therein; f. a valve-actuating member having a tubular upper end extending through said aligned openings and being movable relative thereto between an open position and a closed position; g. said upper end of The valve-actuating member having an exterior surface in sealing engagement with the flange of the sealing member and defining a discharge passageway having an open top and a closed lower end with a discharge port communicating with said passageway adjacent the lower end thereof; h. said discharge port being positioned above a lower end of the sealing member flange in the closed position of the valveactuating member and being positioned below said lower end of said flange in the open position of the valve-actuating member; i. a skirtlike flange of a rigid flexible material attached to the valve-actuating member and sloping downwardly and outwardly relative thereto; j. said flange having a lower end spaced from the valveactuating member and being flexible with a snap action in movement of the valve-actuating member between the open and closed position thereof; k. a fixed member positioned in opposing relation to and engaging with said lower end of said skirtlike flange with the flange biasing the valve-actuating member toward the closed position thereof; l. means for restraining outward movement of said lower end of the skirtlike flange relative to said fixed member; and m. retaining means mounted on the closure member and engaging with said sealing member; n. said retaining means comprising a member having a central bore and including a tubular extension communicating with and extending downwardly from said central bore; o. said tubular extension defining a passageway communicating with the interior of the container and the central bore in said retaining member.
 2. In a valve mechanism for controlling the discharge from a pressurized aerosol type of package, the combination as defined in claim 1 which includes: a. stop means formed on said retaining member for engaging with an limiting downward movement of the valve-actuating member toward the open position thereof.
 3. In a valve mechanism for controlling the discharge from a pressurized aerosol type of package, the combination as defined in claim 2 wherein: a. said stop means comprises a shoulder formed in said central bore of said retaining member; c. said shoulder being positioned for engagement with a lower end of the valve-actuating member in movement of said member to the open position thereof.
 4. In a valve mechanism for controlling the discharge from a pressurized aerosol type of package, the combination as defined in claim 1 which includes: a. a second container located within said first container; b. a second tubular extension carried by said retaining means; c. said second tubular extension defining a passageway communicating with one of the containers; and d. valve means connected to the valve-actuating member for opening and closing the passageway defined by said second tubular extension; e. said valve means being movable between an open position and a closed position simultaneously with movement of said valve-actuating member between the open and closed positions thereof.
 5. In a valve mechanism for a pressurized aerosol type of package, the improvement which comprises: a. a sealing member of a resilient rubberlike material having an opening therein; b. a downwardly extending flange formed as part of said sealing member and extending around said opening; c. a valve-actuating member having a tubular upper end extending through the opening in the sealing member and being slidably engaged by said downwardly extending flange; d. said tubular upper end of the valve-actuating member defining a discharge passageway having an open upper end and containing a discharge port communicating with said passageway; e. said valve-actuating member being movable relative to said sealing member between a first position where said discharge port is closed and a second position where said discharge port is open; f. a flexible skirtlike flange carried by the valve-actuating member; g. said skirtlike flange extendiNg downwardly and outwardly relative to the tubular upper end of the valve-actuating member and having a lower end spaced therefrom; h. a fixed member having an upwardly facing surface positioned in opposing relation to said lower end of the skirtlike flange and engaging therewith; i. said flange being flexible with a snap action in response to movement of the valve-actuating member and normally biasing said valve-actuating member toward the closed position thereof relative to said sealing member; j. said lower end of the skirtlike flange being movable outwardly relative to said surface upon flexing of said flange in downward movement of the valve-actuating member; and k. means for restraining said outward movement of the lower end of the flange relative to the opposing surface of the fixed member until a predetermined pressure is exerted on the valve-actuating member.
 6. In a valve mechanism for a pressurized aerosol type of package, the improvement as defined in claim 5 wherein: a. the valve-actuating member and the skirtlike flange are molded in one piece from a rigid plastic material.
 7. In a valve mechanism for a pressurized aerosol type of package, the improvement as defined in claim 5 which includes: a. a closure cap adapted to be seated on an open end of a container and having an opening formed therein aligned with the opening in said sealing member; b. means for engaging with and holding said sealing member in sealing engagement with said closure member; c. said means comprising a cup-shaped member having a tubular extension extending downwardly therefrom; d. said tubular extension defining a passageway communicating with an interior of the container and with said sealing member.
 8. In a valve mechanism for a pressurized container, the improvement as defined in claim 7 which includes: a. a second tubular extension carried by said cup-shaped member; b. said second tubular extension defining a second passageway; c. a valve seat formed at one end of the first mentioned extension; and d. a valve insert carried by the valve-actuating member and being movable therewith; e. said valve insert being movable into and out of sealing engagement with said valve seat in movement of the valve-actuating member between the open and closed positions thereof.
 9. In a valve mechanism for a pressurized aerosol type of package, the improvement as defined in claim 8 which includes: a. two containers with one of said containers being located within the other said container; and b. means for permitting gas under pressure to pass between said inner and outer containers.
 10. In a manually operable valve mechanism for controlling discharge from an aerosol container, the combination comprising: a. a manually operable valve member mounted in an opening at one end of a pressurized container for reciprocable movement between a closed position and an open position in response to force exerted thereon by a finger; b. said valve member having a hollow upper end defining a discharge passageway and a closed lower end; c. said lower end containing a discharge port communicating with the discharge passageway; d. said upper end being exposed for application of manual force thereon in initiating movement of the valve member to said open position thereof; e. a fixed member carried by the container; and f. a flexible actuating member interposed between said fixed member and said movable valve member for imparting positive movement to the valve member in movement thereof between said open and closed positions; g. said flexible actuating member comprising a flexible flange of a hard rigid material capable of flexing with a snap action with an unsealed end thereof movably engaging with an opposing surface of the fixed member and urging said valve member to said closed position; h. said flange being exposed to the same pressure on opposite sides thereof and being positioneD to flex in opposite directions with a positive snap action in response to forces exerted by a finger on the upper end of said valve member; and i. means on said opposing surface of the fixed member for restraining movement of said movable end of the flange relative thereto in one direction.
 11. In a manually operable valve mechanism for controlling discharge from an aerosol container, the combination as defined in claim 10 wherein: a. the fixed member comprises a closure cap adapted to be affixed to an open end of the container.
 12. In a manually operable valve mechanism for controlling discharge from controlling discharge from an aerosol container, the combination as defined in claim 10 which includes: a. a seal having an opening therein aligned with an opening in the container and through which the lower end of said valve member extends; b. said seal slidably engaging with the movable valve member and including a depending portion; c. said depending portion sealably engaging with the valve member on opposite sides of the discharge port in the open and closed positions, respectively, of the valve member and being urged into engagement with the valve member by resilience of the seal and pressure from within the container in both of said positions.
 13. In a manually operable valve mechanism for controlling discharge from an aerosol container, the combination as defined in claim 12 wherein: a. the fixed member comprises a retainer located inside the container; b. said retainer containing a passageway communicating with the container and having upwardly facing portions engaging with the seal.
 14. In a manually operable valve mechanism for controlling discharge from an aerosol container, the combination as defined in claim 10 wherein: a. the flexible actuating member comprises a skirtlike flange formed integrally with the valve member; b. said skirtlike flange sloping outwardly and downwardly relative to the valve member and has a free lower end engaging with the opposing surface of the fixed member in unsealed relation thereto.
 15. In a manually operable valve mechanism for controlling discharge from an aerosol container, the combination as defined in claim 14 wherein: a. the fixed member forms a closure having an opening therein communicating with the container through which the lower end of the valve member extends and includes the opposing surface engaging with the free end of the flange; and b. the means for restraining movement of the free end of the flange relative to said surface restrains outward movement of the end of the flange relative to said surface until a predetermined downward force is exerted on the upper end of the valve member.
 16. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination comprising: a. a manually operable valve member mounted on a container and being reciprocably movable between open and closed positions with a positive snap action in response to force exerted thereon by a finger; b. said movable valve member having an upper end exposed for the application of manual pressure thereto and a closed lower end; c. said upper end defining a discharge passageway; d. said lower end containing a discharge port therein communicating with said discharge passageway; e. a seal of resilient material having an opening therein through which the lower end of said valve member extends; f. said seal engaging with the valve member on opposite sides of the discharge port in said closed position and said open position, respectively, of the valve member; g. a fixed member carried by the container; h. flexible actuating means interposed between the fixed member and the valve member and imparting a positive snap action to the valve member in movement thereof between said open and closed positions; i. said flexible actuating means comprising a skirtlike flange having an unsealed free end engaging witH an opposing surface of the fixed member with opposite sides thereof being exposed to equal pressures; j. means on said opposing surface of a fixed member for restraining movement of said free end of the flange relative thereto in one direction; and k. a stop engaging with the movable valve member and limiting movement of the valve member in movement thereof toward said open position.
 17. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination as defined in claim 16 wherein: a. said fixed member comprises a seal retainer located in the container and containing a passageway which communicates with the container; and b. said flange contains at least one perforation therein; c. said perforation providing communication from the container and the retainer to the discharge port in the valve member when the valve member is in the open position.
 18. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination as defined in claim 17 wherein: a. the fixed member comprises a retainer located in the container and with an upper portion thereof engaging with the seal; and b. said retainer contains a passageway communicating at a lower end with the interior of the container and at an upper end with the perforated flange.
 19. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination as defined in claim 16 wherein: a. the flexible flange and the valve member are formed integrally from a hard rigid plastic material capable of flexing with a snap action.
 20. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination as defined in claim 16 wherein: a. the fixed member comprises a closure for the container and the surface opposing the end of the flexible flange is located on the exterior of the container.
 21. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination which comprises: a. a member adapted to be mounted in a fixed position in an opening at one end of a container which contains a commodity and a propellant for discharging the commodity from the container; b. said fixed member having an opening therein communicating with an interior of the container; c. a valve for manually controlling discharge from the container located in said opening. d. said valve including a movable valve stem having a hollow upper end defining a discharge passageway and having a closed lower end with a discharge port communicating with said passageway; e. said valve stem being reciprocable between open and closed positions with the upper end thereof being exposed for engagement by a finger of an operator; f. a seal of resilient material mounted in the container with an opening therein in alignment with the opening in the fixed member; g. said seal including a portion slidably engaging with the valve stem on opposite sides, respectively, of said discharge port in said open and closed positions of the valve member; h. said portion of the seal being urged into engagement with the valve stem in both of said open and closed positions by resilience of the seal and by pressure from within the container; and i. a flexible actuating flange formed of a hard rigid material which is capable of flexing in opposite directions with a snap action interposed between said fixed member and said valve stem and normally urging said valve stem toward said closed position; j. the flexing of said flange imparting positive movement to the valve stem with a sudden snap action in movement thereof between said closed and open positions in response to force exerted by a finger on the valve stem; k. said flange extending outwardly and downwardly relative to the valve stem and having a free lower end engaging with an opposing surface of the fixeD member; l. said lower end of the flange engaging with the opposing surface of the fixed member in an unsealed relation and allowing equal pressure to act on opposite sides of the flange.
 22. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination as defined in claim 21 which includes: a. means formed on said opposing surface of the fixed member engaging with and restraining outward movement of the lower end of the actuating flange relative thereto.
 23. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination as defined in claim 22 wherein: a. said restraining means comprises a raised area on said opposing surface of the fixed member.
 24. In a manually operable valve for controlling discharge of a commodity from a pressurized container, the combination as defined in claim 21 which includes: a. a retainer engaging with and holding the seal in position; b. said retainer containing a passageway communicating with the container with an upper end of the passageway slidably guiding the lower end of the valve stem in its movement; and c. stop means formed in said passageway for engaging with and limiting flexing of the flange in downward movement of the valve stem relative to said passageway. 